Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 21 December 1877
Alleged Case of Rape at Mexboro’
Amos Rose, Denaby Row, was brought up in custody charged with having committed an indecent assault on a married woman named Sarah Hartley, of Denaby, on the 8th inst.
Mr Hall appeared for the defence.
Mr. Supt. Todd said there was no one he believed to corroborate the complainant in this ease which would have to be taken simply on the ground of her own statement. On Saturday last the 8th inst., it appeared she was in Mexboro’ market and while in Merboro’ she called at two or three public-houses and according to her own statement had a glass of rum, a glass of beer and another glass of rum. About 11 o’clock she started as her way home to Denaby. When she got near Clay Lane she saw some men standing on the road, they attacked ter and pulled her about, knocked her down and pulled her clothes over her head. She then returned towards Mexborough and got behind a fence.
Again she alleged, she went towards her home at Denaby and when near the Toll Bar Gate four men came out from behind a hedge and pulled her about in a most disgraceful manner. When a few yards from the iron bridge near Denaby, the four men one after the other she alleged comitted a criminal assault upon her. The firstt, she states, to commit the assault was the prisoner Rose. When met by the watchman at Denaby about 1-30 she states she was in a most pitiful plight.
Sank Hartley, the complainant, said she was a married woman, the wife of Alfred Hartley, of Denaby Row. She went to Mexboro’ on Saturday night, the 8th inst. in a waggonette and remained there till about 11 o’clock. She got to Clay Lane about 11-30 when she was attacked by several men. One of them (J. Shaw alias Blondin) knocked her hat off her head. The prisoner one of them. They pulled her down is the mud on the road and turned her clothes over her head. She would be on the ground about five minute. A man called Good came up and them to let her go. She then returned towards Mexboro’ became she was afraid to go forward to Denaby. Got behind a hedge and waited there about quarter of an hour. She then renewed her journey towards home. On arriving near the Toll Bar, a gang of men came out. Four of them pulled her about. She knocked at the door of the Toll Bar but no one answered. The prisoner was one the men. She could distinctly see him because there was a gas lamp near. She struggled with them till they got near the Iron Bridge and there they all four committed an indecent assault upon her. They held her mouth we that she could not make an alarm. One of them threatened to throw her into the river. She got home about 20 minutes to two o’clock.
In reply to Mr. Hall witness said she woe at the Red Lion about 11 o’clock. Had a basket containing oranges, a few grapes and a hair pad. Did not remember seeing some other women on the road, nor did she remember striking at one of them with her basket. Told Good she did not know any of them but “Blondin”. Did not know that she knocked against Mrs Latham’s daughter.
Alfred Hatton, collier, Denaby, said on Saturday the 8th inst he left Mexoro’ at 11,.00 and met Mrs Hartley coming back towards Mexboro’.Spoke to her and asked her what she was doing there at that time of night. She was very “fresh.” Asked her to go home with them. Saw the prisoner and others card paying near the Toll Bar. That would be about 10 minutes to 12 o’clock.
In reply to Mrs Hall, witness said the prisoner said he was coming in a minute or two and he heard some one coming along the road after him.
Mrs Latham said she, her daughter and Mrs Wlliams left Mexborough about 11 o’clock on Saturday, the 8th. Saw the complainant near the New Board School screaming. She was very drunk. Asked her to come with them and go home. She got up and commenced to fight with her basket. She then cursed and swore at them in a most disgraceful manner.
Mrs Williams said the prisoner lodged with her and on the noght in question he was in her house at 10 minutes past 12 o’clock, had his supper and went to bed.
Without any further evidence the prisoner was discharged.